Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to settle all outstanding tax refund claims by June 15, 2026, in a move aimed at improving business liquidity, supporting exporters, and strengthening investor confidence.
The directive was issued during a consultative meeting with representatives of chambers of commerce and industry from across Pakistan, where discussions focused on the upcoming federal budget, industrial growth, exports, and economic reforms.
Addressing the business community, the prime minister said the government had successfully stabilized the economy through prudent policies and structural reforms and was now shifting its focus toward accelerating economic growth and industrial expansion.
He assured stakeholders that the federal budget for FY2026-27 would include additional incentives and policy measures to boost industrial activity, attract investment, and increase production capacity.
“Our mission is export-led economic growth, and we will achieve this goal through collective efforts,” the prime minister stated.
In a major relief measure for exporters, Shehbaz announced that the financing rate under the Export Finance Scheme would remain fixed at 4.5 percent until June 2027 despite the recent increase in the policy rate. He also acknowledged the role of commercial banks in facilitating export-oriented industries.
To improve taxpayer services and business facilitation, the prime minister directed the relocation of the central office of Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) to Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial hub. The move is expected to improve accessibility for exporters and taxpayers.
Responding to demands from overseas Pakistanis and local traders, he also ordered the establishment of a passport office in Gujrat to provide better services to residents and expatriates from the region.
Highlighting the government’s economic agenda, Shehbaz reiterated his commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through reforms and incentives. He also encouraged local investors to explore opportunities in electric vehicle manufacturing, describing the sector as a key driver of future industrial growth and technological advancement.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and chambers from Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Quetta, Gujrat, Gujranwala, and Sialkot. Senior government officials, federal ministers, the State Bank governor, and the FBR chairman also participated.
Business leaders presented proposals related to the federal budget and long-term economic strategy. Participants welcomed government initiatives, including reforms in the Export Development Fund Board, progress on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatization, FBR digitization efforts, and the implementation of e-invoicing systems.
The business community also expressed support for measures aimed at expanding economic activity, creating jobs, and documenting the informal economy through digital reforms. Representatives pledged to work closely with the government to promote transparency and sustainable economic growth.
In addition, participants welcomed the launch of the Wazir-e-Azam Apna Ghar Programme, describing the housing finance initiative as a positive step toward supporting low- and middle-income families while boosting construction and allied industries.
